The Pixel Watch 3 is Google’s latest entry into the smartwatch market, and it comes with several significant upgrades that address user feedback from previous models. This year, Google has introduced the Pixel Watch 3 in multiple sizes, breaking away from the one-size-fits-all approach of earlier generations. The new model offers both a 41mm and a larger 45mm case, catering to those who prefer a bigger watch face.
Battery Life and Power Management
One of the most anticipated improvements in the Pixel Watch 3 is its battery life. Google claims that users can expect up to 24 hours of usage on a full charge. For those who need even more endurance, the watch includes a Battery Saver mode that can extend the battery life to 36 hours. This mode automatically activates when the battery level drops to 15%, ensuring that the essential health, fitness, and safety features remain functional for longer.
Adding to the power-saving features is a new auto bedtime mode. This mode kicks in when the watch detects that you’ve fallen asleep, turning off the Always On Display and silencing notifications. Despite these power-saving measures, sleep tracking remains active, allowing you to monitor your sleep patterns without interruptions.
Additionally, the Pixel Watch 3 charges faster than its predecessors, with the 41mm model charging 20% quicker than the Pixel Watch 2, reaching full charge 15 minutes sooner.
Advanced Health Monitoring
A standout feature of the Pixel Watch 3 is its new “loss of pulse detection.” This feature leverages the watch’s advanced heart rate sensors to monitor your pulse continuously, checking once every second—one of the fastest rates in the mainstream smartwatch market.
If the watch detects a potential loss of pulse, it analyzes additional factors like movement and whether the watch is still on your wrist. If it determines that a loss of pulse events, such as cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, is likely, the watch will alert you and contact emergency services if there’s no response. This feature is set to be available in several European countries at launch, with plans to expand to more regions.
Display and Visual Enhancements
The Pixel Watch 3 also boasts a larger, more vibrant display. Google has reduced the bezels by 16%, allowing for more screen space on the 41mm model, and even more so on the new 45mm variant. The result is a 40% increase in screen real estate compared to earlier models.
The watch uses Google’s Actua displays, capable of reaching up to 2,000 nits of brightness for easy visibility in bright conditions and dropping down to just 1 nit to conserve power and avoid eye strain in low light.
The adaptive refresh rate, which ranges from 1Hz to 60Hz, further contributes to the watch’s power efficiency, adjusting based on what’s being displayed to save battery without compromising the user experience.
Fitness and Workout Features
For fitness enthusiasts, the Pixel Watch 3 introduces enhanced workout features, particularly for runners. The watch now allows users to design specific running workouts directly on their device, incorporating segments for warm-ups, cooldowns, and intervals based on pace, distance, time, or heart rate targets. During workouts, the watch provides audio and haptic prompts to guide you, helping you stay on track with your fitness goals.
After your workout, the Pixel Watch 3 offers detailed feedback, including metrics like cadence, stride, and vertical oscillation, alongside the usual stats like duration, distance, and calories burned. This comprehensive data helps users better understand their performance and make adjustments to their training routines.
Integration with Google’s Ecosystem
The Pixel Watch 3 is deeply integrated with Google’s ecosystem, bringing more connectivity and convenience to users. You can view live feeds from Nest security cameras directly on the watch and control your TV unlock your Pixel phone or select cars using ultra-wideband technology. Additionally, new features like Call Assist and the Recorder app allow you to start a voice recording from your wrist, with transcriptions available on a paired Pixel phone.
Pricing and Availability
The Pixel Watch 3 is available in two sizes, with the 41mm model starting at $349 and the 45mm model at $399. The smaller version comes in four colors, while the larger one is available in three, excluding the pink variant. Google’s latest smartwatch not only addresses the need for a bigger size option but also brings meaningful improvements in battery life, health monitoring, and overall user experience.
